ECU Reports: Student Activism
This article addresses concerns over student protest activities on campus. This and other articles may be found in the University Archives.
Citation for this article is: Jenkins, Leo."ECU Report: Student Activism," January 8, 1971, part of Record Group CH1050, Series 8, Publication File.
I am asked frequently about student unrest and the possibility of violence and disorder on our campuses. We are not unmindful of this matter and cannot dismiss it lightly.
It is indeed unfortunate that when an outbreak of campus violence occurs, personal injuries and damage to property are often the results. And also destructive is the divisive lack of communication between student protesters and administration, which is usually the by-product of disagreement.
However notorious such incidents have become, we must point out that seeds of unrest and destructiveness lie in a very small percentage of college students. The great majority are seriously pursuing their education, and while they may disagree with "Establishment" standards, they resort to more rational, effective methods of effecting change.
We heartily endorse student involvement in political and social matters. Here at ECU, student organizations are of great assistance to charitable fund-raising drives and campaigns. Often they inititate such activities as Christmas parties for local needy children. One student organization has been formed to tutor culturally deprived children in their schoolwork. And, each year, a student group sponsors a blood donation drive for the Red Cross.
Students who are involved in these altrustic activities benefit themselves as well as those whom they serve. They enjoy helping others and they gain the sastifaction of knowing that they are effecting a positive change upon the condition of society.
There are a variety of outlets through which political active students may exercise their abilities and interests. Campus chapters of such organizations as the Young Democrats and the Young Republicans enable their members to have a bloc voice in political party policy. student members meet their counterparts from other campuses at state and regional conventions and rallies, and find opporturnities to express their views on political issues. Similarly, a number of student delegates attend annual meetings of the State Student Legislature and the Model United Nations. They learn a great deal about political problems and, from participation in the activities of these simulated bodies, they gain insight into the complex workings of legislative bodies and the United Nations.
On campus, students have their own governmental system, the Student Government Association . Our SGA at East Carolina is one of the best in the nation. Like the U.S. federal and state governments, it has executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and its budget is the second largest among student governments throughout the nation.
Student responses to current issues need not be violent and destructive. Here at ECU, peaceful demonstrations took place on Earth Day and Moratorium Day. Concerned students gathered in the campus mall and heard speeches from other students and campus visitors.
Last spring, during a memorial service at East Carolina for the four students killed at Kent State, we addressed a gathering of about 1,000 students seated on the mall. A small number of those present had urged violence, but the attitude of the majority was sorrow and deep concern for a deplorable tragedy.
We strongly support positive student activism. Our nation needs the force of idealism which comes from college-aged youth. Today's young people are better informed and more immediatley involved in the affairs of the world, in society, and in environmental crises than any previous generation.
Those in decision-making positions, political leaders, and citizens in general should welcome the help that our college youth can provide. In all likelihood, they will shortly be eligible to vote in every election, and therefore, a major avenue of youth's service to society will be opened.
Violent disruptive behavior as a means of expressing one's opinion about political or campus issues must not be tolerated. But orderly, constructive demonstartion of ideas should be allowed, even encouraged, if democracy and the concept of free speech are to remain with us.
